PAUL Denham (You Say, October 24) is quite right to point out that I used to be a member of the Labour Party.

In fact, I was twice elected as a Labour councillor! That is no secret.

However, in the year 2000 I was elected as an Independent councillor and that is the way I aim to stay - free to vote for whatever is best for the citizens of Worcester.

I disagree with many of New Labour's policies - for example, I firmly believe in council housing.

I am bitterly disappointed that the New Labour Government is forcing councils to sell off their housing stock/people's homes.

I also believe in preserving Worcester's green spaces. I believe that decisions affecting local people should be made by local people and not forced upon us by outside bodies.

MARGARET LAYLAND,

St John's,

Worcester.